Jean Beliveau Stroke: Montreal Canadiens Legend Hospitalized

Jean Beliveau, the Montreal Canadiens legend, has been hospitalized due to a stroke.

"The Montreal Canadiens announced today that Jean Beliveau suffered a stroke on Monday evening and was admitted to the hospital," the team posted on its website

"Now 80 years old, Mr. Beliveau is currently undergoing active investigation and treatments. As of today and for the duration of his convalescence Mr. Beliveau humbly asks everyone to respect his privacy and that of his family," the site adds.

Beliveau is one of the greatest players ever to play for the Canadiens. He won the Stanley Cup a stunning 10 times as a player between 1950 and 1971. He is the longest-serving captain and the second-leading scorer in that team's history.

Nicknamed "Le Gros Bill" (trans. the Munchkin) for his size and also "Gentleman Jean," for his classy behaviour on and off the ice, Beliveau made the all-star team 10 times and would play a role as an executive with the Canadiens after his playing career.

Beloved by Montreal fans, Beliveau remained humble despite his success. "I only hope that I have made a contribution to a great game. Hockey has been my life since the day my father gave me a pair of skates when I was five years old," he said when he retired from hockey.